US Bridges

US 231 MP 48.098 over Bear Creek

Fair

Dale County, Alabama · 3.2 Mi. N. SR 27 · Structure no. 009388

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,600
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 MP 48.098 over Bear Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 231 MP 48.098 over Bear Creek in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 6,600 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,579 by 2033. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231 MP 48.098
CrossesBear Creek
Location3.2 Mi. N. SR 27
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.50167, -85.69603
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,600 (2013)
Projected traffic8,579 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 MP 48.098 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 231 MP 48.098 over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 MP 48.098 over Bear Creek carry?

About 6,600 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 231 MP 48.098 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 MP 48.098 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.